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Oxytetracycline Ophthalmic

Terramycin Ophthalmic

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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Ophthalmic

Routes

Ophthalmic

Indications

Bacterial conjunctivitissuperficial keratitis

Mechanism of Action

Tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding the 30S ribosomal subunit. Combined with polymyxin B for gram-negative coverage.

Side effects & warnings

Common first-line ophthalmic antibiotic in veterinary practice. Apply 2-4 times daily. Ointment base provides prolonged corneal contact time. Available OTC in many regions.

Species with Oxytetracycline Ophthalmic dosing data (2 dose rules)

Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · Gelatt KN, Veterinary Ophthalmology, 6th Ed

Sample dosing (1 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)Ophthalmic0 mg/kgApply ribbon of ointment to affected eye q6h-q8hStrongGelatt KN, Veterinary Ophthalmology, 6th Ed

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Other formulations of Oxytetracycline